NFL teams
Todd McShay, senior NFL draft analyst 8y

QBs Carson Wentz and Jared Goff rising in McShay's Mock Draft 2.0

NFL, NFL Draft, California Golden Bears, North Dakota State Bison

A lot has changed in the NFL since we published our first 2016 mock draft in December. The order for the first 29 picks is now locked in, and the final two slots will be determined by the result of Sunday's Super Bowl between the Broncos and Panthers. (Remember, there are only 31 first-round picks because the Patriots lost their selection as a result of Deflategate sanctions.) 

With NFL evaluators digging more into college tape -- and several players having breakout performances at last week's Senior Bowl -- our Mock Draft 2.0 looks a little different from version 1.0.

Which player will your team select in the first round? Here is our second projection of the 31 first-round picks in the 2016 NFL draft.

1. Tennessee Titans (3-13)

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes

If the Titans are looking to trade this pick, they might be able to find a team hoping to jump the Browns to select a quarterback. If no deal materializes, Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil would fill the team's biggest need. But the move is to pull the trigger on Bosa, the best player in the class. You can never have too many pass-rushers. And remember: One of Bosa's best traits is that he's scheme versatile, so he'd be a fit even if the Titans decide to stick with a 3-4 alignment.

2. Cleveland Browns (3-13)

Jared Goff, QB, California Golden Bears

If Bosa is still on the board here for whatever reason, he would be a good option. But quarterback is undoubtedly Cleveland's top need, and the more tape I study, the more I believe it's a two-horse race between Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz for the No. 1 passer. As it stands now -- after studying five of Goff's games this season and four of Wentz's -- the two have identical grades. From Cleveland's perspective, Goff has a bit more velocity on his fastball to cut through the wind, while Wentz has more experience playing in the cold. Tough call, but I'll go with Goff for now.

3. San Diego Chargers (4-12)

Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels

With Philip Rivers now 34, there's a school of thought that says San Diego should pick its long-term successor here (Goff or Wentz). But if the Chargers are going to make a run at the playoffs before Rivers retires, they must solidify their offensive line. Rivers can't function without better protection and more balance from the running game (ranked 31st in the NFL last season). Tunsil -- the top pass-blocking OT in the draft -- needs to improve his strength, but he's an outstanding athlete for his size (6-foot-5, 305 pounds). 

^ Back to Top ^